Malawi Queens immediate-past coach Joana Kachilika says Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) did not consult her on her new role as Under-21 national netball team coach.
The association on Monday announced the termination of the Queens’ coaching panel contract which also included assistant coach Eleanor Mapulanga and physical trainer Beatrice Mpinganjira through a press release signed by general secretary Yamikani Kauma.
NAM has since taken back on board experienced mentors and Malawi National Netball Team legends Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa and Mary Waya as co-coaches.
In an interview on Monday, Kachilika said: “I have just received some documents from NAM which I believe could be related to the developments, but I have not gone through them yet, nor was I informed by NAM about the changes.
“So, I am afraid I cannot comment because I need to consult after going through the contents.”
Waya declined to comment on the issue on Monday, saying: “I am not aware of that.”
On the other hand, Chawinga-Kaluwa could not be reached for comment.
In its press statement, NAM said: “Upon completion of the process of review for the national teams technical teams, all technical contracts, the technical qualifications, technical experience, the performance of the teams; and in consideration of the need to ensure the national teams are poised to perform with the best and at the best level of fitness and performance, NAM has made changes to the coaching panels of the three national teams effective 19th November 2024.”
The statement says Kachilika will be in-charge of the Junior Queens until September 30 2025 after the Netball Youth World Cup.
On the appointment of Chawinga-Kaluwa and Waya, NAM says: “NAM believes that being the highest qualified coaches in Malawi, their experience in coaching and development of players, and having performed as players, the two are best suited to steer the senior national Queens and oversee the development of the Under-21 and Under-19 teams as we rebuild the team.”
NAM has also terminated its contract with Christina Mkwanda as Under-21 national team coach and demoted to vice-coach for the team.
NAM has further terminated the contracts of Triza Chipolopolo as vice-coach for the Under-18 national team, her Under-19 counterpart Rose Chinyama while Queens captain Towera Vinkhumbo has been roped in as Under-18 national team coach.
NAM has also appointed Edith Kaliati, as technical adviser for the teams and will be assisted by Samuel Kanyenda, who is acting technical adviser/technical director for NAM.
However, the appointment of Chawinga-Kaluwa comes while she is seeking compensation in a case she sued NAM at Industrial Relations Court for unlawful dismissal.
Her lawyer, David Kanyenda was quoted in The Nation last week, as having said the parties have failed to reach an out-of-court settlement.
